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In China women are confined to their homes for one to three months after childbirth. These first few months after birth are characterized with many traditional habits. Even though there are some good aspects to these traditional habits, some of them may aversely affect the health of both mother and child. Below we discuss the traditional Chinese custom of “Confinement After Birth”. Want to know more? Confinement After Childbirth

The WHO and UNICEF advice “rooming-in” for at least the first six months of your baby’s life. In this handout we will discuss the benefits of rooming-in, what we mean with rooming-in and some guidelines to provide a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Read more: Sleeping Safe

A baby’s body surface is about three times greater than an adult’s. Babies can lose heat rapidly. When the baby’s temperature is too low, he uses energy and oxygen to keep warm. On the other hand, a baby who is dressed in or covered by too many layers can easily become too warm, increasing the risk of SIDS. A baby who is too cold or too warm might be uncomfortable and fussy, and it may interrupt his sleep. Therefore keep your baby at optimal temperature. Read more: Download handout Keeping Your Baby Warm

Counting your baby’s wet and dirty diapers can help you know if your breastfed baby gets enough to eat. How many wet and dirty diapers should my baby have? What should the color of my baby’s stools be? Found out more by reading this handout. Read more: Download handout Normal Wet and Dirty Diapers

Lochia is the term used to describe the discharges from the uterus in the postnatal period. In this handout you’ll find an explanation of what would be considered normal and abnormal lochia. Read more: Download handout Lochia (Postnatal Discharge)

Passing large quantities of urine in the first 24-­‐48 hours and no bowel movements during the first 2-­‐3 days after you have given birth is quite normal. Because of the increased urine output, reduced exercise and possibly being afraid to go to the toilet due to a perineal wound, it is quite common for you to become constipated after the birth of your baby. Read this handout to know what normal micturition and bowel movements are in the first days post partum and how to prevent constipation. Read more: A Woman’s Output After Giving Birth

Cold sores are a viral infection that is highly contagious. If a newborn is infected with this virus, there is a small risk of him becoming very ill. In this handout we’ll explain more about cold sores and how you can prevent passing the cold sore virus to your baby. Read more: Cold Sores

After you have had your baby, situations may arise when it is best to contact your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant for advice and support. This will allow early treatment of possible problems, which can help to prevent things from getting worse. Read more: When to Call for Help

Your baby has been exposed to your hormones during pregnancy. After your baby is born, the presence of maternal hormones in your baby’s system might cause temporary conditions. You’ll find more information about these conditions in this handout. Read more: Download handout Hormonal Effects in Your Baby

Adequate rest and sleep are vital for the new mother. However, a new mother who doesn’t get off her bed to walk around and get some exercise is more prone to circulatory problems such as varicose veins, oedema and thrombosis. It will also take longer for the uterus to return to its normal size, increasing the risk of uterine infection and heavy bleeding. Reduced mobility will increase the chance of constipation. At the end of pregnancy the abdominal muscles separate a little in the middle. Doing abdominal exercises will strengthen these muscles and aid recovery. Doing pelvic floor exercises will reduce problems like stress incontinence. Early mobilisation and daily increasing the amount of exercise are therefore important. Download handout 410 Exercise After Birth